By correspondent in Makurdi.
The bye-election in Benue state, which took place on Saturday in Guma Local Government Area of the state went on peacefully and in orderly manner as at the time of filing this report.
Our correspondent who visited some polling units in the area reports that electorate maintained orderliness in exercising their civic responsibility to vote candidate of their choice under the watchful eye of the police and other security personnel.
The Benue State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sam Egwu, has applauded the electorate in ensuring peaceful in the ongoing Saturday by-election in Guma Local Government Area of the state.
Egwu said that the exercise did not only begin on time at 8:30a.m as planned by the commission but that all the procedure were being followed towards a successful exercise.
“We have complied with all processes. So far, there are no complaints from any quarters,” he said.
He also appreciated the level of security presence at the polling unit and every units where the exercise was being conducted.
The INEC Commissioner,who observed low turnout of voters,said it was too early to conclude, adding that the exercise would end by 2:30p.m.
Some citizens of Benue state living in Lokoja, capital of neighboring Kogi state, in a separate interview with our correspondent, expressed delight over the reported peaceful nature of the election.
They, however, traced the low turn out of vote that greeted the exercise to insecurity and the attendant fear in the minds of some electorate.
Our correspondent reports that Benue state has had to contend with insecurity in recent time, resulting loss of lives and destruction of property.
Similar exercise on in the neighboring Nasarawa state,as we will bring you development in that regard soon.
Edited by Dawud Ahmed.
